Manchester fibre optic network The Loop has been sold to euNetworks Fiber - and its new owner says it will become part of a digital "Super Highway" across the UK and Ireland.
The Loop, which launched in 2012, has an 87km duct network across Manchester, Salford and Trafford with over 180km of high capacity fibre cable. It serves more than 70 key multi-tenant commercial buildings and was owned by the AIM-listed Gamma group.
euNetworks owns and operates deep fibre networks in 17 cities and has a long haul network spanning 15 countries.
Brady Rafuse, CEO of euNetworks, said: "Manchester is an important and growing digital hub and we have been keen to develop our presence in the city for some time.
"It also enhances our Super Highway that runs from Dublin through to Manchester, London and Lowestoft.
“The acquisition of The Loop network strengthens our customer proposition in the bandwidth infrastructure market. As well as adding unique routes to our Manchester metro, the Loop provides us with a more local presence, the flexibility to connect more data centres and buildings and the opportunity for further expansion."
Mr Rafuse welcomed The Loop team to the euNetworks business.
He added: "Our focus on the media sector is immediately strengthened with their knowledge and strong reputation among the media and broadcast community in Manchester and the UK. There’s a great opportunity from the teams and the networks coming together to develop and future-proof some of the larger content requirements of these companies.”
Andrew Taylor, Gamma’s chief executive, said;: “We have developed The Loop into a successful and growing business which is now ready for its next phase and we’re really pleased that euNetworks has chosen to be its ensuing owner.
"euNetworks’ extensive fibre footprint across Europe and the UK coupled with their customer centred approach to network development and investment is both impressive and innovative.”
Ashley Griffiths, managing director of The Loop, said: "We’ve worked closely with euNetworks for a number of years in Manchester and I know our customers will immediately benefit from this acquisition. We remain focused on delivering a great service experience as well as more fibre-based service options to our customers.”
